How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 162

Moreover, it bothered me that he approached when I was about to dance with Reno. Previously, I had noticed that when Reno was on guard duty, the frequency of people trying to make advances notably increased.

Though he seemed to be pretending not to know it was discourteous, I couldn’t completely rule out the possibility that it was an innocent coincidence, so I decided to decline politely.

“I have a prior engagement with my guardian.”

“I understand Your Highness’s guardian will have many opportunities in the future.”

I thought he would give up after being told this much, but it seems I had misjudged.

“I think it would be nice if you could yield just this once.”

The man showed no signs of backing down. Although his tone seemed to be asking Reno for permission, his gaze never left me.

Only then could I discover the hidden intention behind the man’s confident gaze. I couldn’t miss it. It was the same look Meliana had when looking at Reno.

‘As I thought, he deliberately approached me during Reno’s turn.’

How unpleasant. If the man truly wanted to make a good impression on me or was genuinely interested in becoming my guardian, shouldn’t he show respect to Reno as well?

I was already sick of seeing Reno constantly being ignored and despised, and now seeing how this stranger treated Reno in such a setting made my irritation surge.

“Sir, I……!”

“Sir Robeum is right.”

Just as I was about to burst out in anger, Reno, who had been silent all along, spoke up.

What do you mean he’s right? And why are you withdrawing your hand?

“Since I’ll have many opportunities, it might be good to give others a chance.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Reno? What are you…….”

“Then, please enjoy your time.”

Reno stepped back a few paces. His unexpected reaction filled me with bewilderment.

Why? Why was he giving up and retreating first?

I quickly reached out my hand to stop Reno. But someone else caught my hand instead.

I hadn’t realized it, but the direction I reached out to grab Reno happened to be where Robeum had extended his hand. He seemed to have seized the opportunity to grasp my hand.

While I flinched at my hand being suddenly caught, the man kissed the back of my hand.

“It’s an honor, Your Highness.”

His gaze remained upward, looking at me, deliberately not lifting his head from my hand until he finished speaking. Unlike Isaac’s composed manner, his gestures and gazes were uncomfortably lingering.

I tried to quickly withdraw my hand, but the man held it firmly and whispered.

“If you reject me now.”

“…….”

“Many of the favorable gazes toward Your Highness will change.”

My face inadvertently hardened at that moment. As I thought, this man had deliberately intercepted and grabbed my hand. Even though he clearly saw I was trying to reach for Reno.

Everything about him displeased me. So much so that his handsome face meant nothing.

However, the man’s threat hit me directly. Separate from my concern for Reno and my dislike of dealing with this man, I had my own goals that I absolutely had to achieve.

I had already given up on expanding my influence by bringing in Killis as a guardian. I couldn’t afford to turn away the favorable allies I had barely managed to gather.

‘I know but…….’

I desperately didn’t want to think rationally about this. As I was chewing my lower lip, I saw Isaac approaching me. It was obvious he wanted to help, seeing me in this difficult situation.

‘If Isaac intervenes, it would only lead to the worst possible outcome, never anything good.’

Only then did my emotionally tilting mind regain its balance. I looked straight at Isaac and shook my head. His unwavering approach came to an abrupt halt.

After confirming that Isaac had read my intention, only then did I turn to the man before me and ask.

“Is one dance all you want from me?”

“If we’re counting wishes, I have far more……. “

Seeing my gaze sharpen, the man added with a faint smile.

“But for now, I suppose I can be satisfied with a dance.”